Page 117 of Ruthless Cross

Callie and Savannahspent the next few hours together at Flynn's apartment. Savannah took her official statement, expressing some surprise at the fact that Flynn's father had been on the scene, but Flynn had told her to tell the truth, so she did. She rationalized that she wasn't really lying about how Sam had disappeared, because she hadn't seen him leave the building. He'd just disappeared out of sight.

After she was done with her story, Savannah filled her in on how Flynn had received a text demanding an exchange—the painting for her—but that he'd somehow figured out where she was from the photo. Neither of them knew exactly how Flynn had determined where she was being held, but Callie had a pretty good idea that Sam's knowledge had played a role.

"I still can't believe Flynn saw his father after so many years," Savannah said, as they settled back against the couch. "And anything you say from now on is off the record."

"I wasn't lying before."

"Good to know. How did Sam and Flynn end up together?"

"You'll have to ask him that."

Savannah smiled. "Okay, then I'll ask you another question."

"I have a feeling I'm not going to like this one any better," she said, seeing the gleam in Savannah's eyes.

"There's something going on between you and Flynn. That was quite a kiss at the warehouse."

"We've gotten close," she admitted. "But…"

"There's abut?"

"Everything has been moving so fast. This isn't my real life. I don't get kidnapped or dodge bullets or get hit over the head. I don't chase bad guys. I'm a chef. I cook for people. I live a very ordinary life. I can't see Flynn involved with anyone ordinary. Not that I should even be thinking that way. Because we just had a…fling." She found herself feeling way too emotional at the end of that statement. "Do you want something to eat? I'm starving. I can find something to cook for us."

"I wouldn't say no to food."

"Although, you don't have to stay with me. I don't need a babysitter."

"Hey, you just offered free food. I'm in," Savannah said with a grin, as she followed her into the kitchen.

She opened Flynn's fridge, happy to find steaks and vegetables. "We're in luck. I can definitely do something with this."

As she set the ingredients on the counter, Savannah poured herself another mug of coffee. "I'm actually surprised Flynn has food in the house. I took him for more of a takeout guy."

"He makes a good breakfast," she said, as she found some herbs to rub on the steaks. Then she grabbed a knife and started cutting up vegetables.

Savannah laughed. "Interesting that you would know that."

She gave a shrug, then added, "Flynn told me that you met at Quantico."

"Yes, we had one of the best classes at the academy. Of course, that's my very biased opinion. Every class probably feels that way. But we formed a tight bond. Now wherever we are, whatever we're doing, we try to help each other out."

"It must be nice to know that there's always someone who will have your back." She hadn't really had that in her life. She'd usually been the one who had some else's back. "Flynn said you were a beauty queen and an ex-soldier. I find that fascinating."

"My journey through life has been filled with twists and turns."

Savannah didn't elaborate, and Callie couldn't help thinking there was definitely more to Savannah's story, but she didn't seem inclined to share.

"How is your mother?" Savannah asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, wow." She set down the knife she'd been about to use on some red, juicy tomatoes. "I probably should call her and tell her what's happening."

"Why don't you wait until Flynn gets back, until we know the whole story?"

"I think I know it already, but I can wait. My mom and I had a good talk this morning, and I'm glad she's tucked away. I'm sure the press will have a field day with all this. My mom is going to have to deal with the fact that Arthur was engaged in criminal activities and that he most likely had an affair with the woman who painted his portrait. He's not the honest, ethical judge everyone thought he was. Nor was he a particularly good husband."

"It's hard when the people you love disappoint you in such a profound way."

"Yes, it is," she agreed, seeing more shadows in Savannah's eyes.

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